Can an Iowa park unreasonably reject a buyer as a new tenant?

No. Iowa Code §562B.19(3)(c) lets a park reserve the right to approve a purchaser as a tenant, but that 'permission may not be unreasonably withheld,' and a denial requires written notice and the general reason. This is general information, not advice about a specific purchase — consider consulting a licensed attorney in Iowa.

What protects a buyer purchasing a home directly from the park?

Section 562B.17A requires the landlord's sale to be by written agreement stating the total cost (and, for an installment contract, the finance charge, annual percentage rate, and payment terms), and to assign the current DOT certificate of title once the buyer completes payment.

Buying a mobile home in Iowa

Q: What must an Iowa park disclose before a tenant signs?

Section 562B.14 requires the landlord to offer a written rental agreement and to disclose in writing the name and address of the park's manager and owner (or their agent for service), plus a written explanation of utility rates and services before the agreement is signed.

Buying a manufactured home in an Iowa community comes with statutory disclosures and buyer protections. The Manufactured or Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Law (Iowa Code Chapter 562B) requires written disclosures and a written rental agreement, limits how a park can screen a buyer, and sets terms for a sale by the park itself. For a specific purchase, consider consulting a licensed attorney in Iowa.

What the statute says

On disclosure, Iowa Code §562B.14(2) requires the landlord to "disclose to the tenant in writing at or before entering into the rental agreement the name and address of" the park's manager and owner (or the owner's agent for service of process). On buyer approval, §562B.19(3)(c) lets a park "reserve the right to approve the purchaser of such mobile home as a tenant but such permission may not be unreasonably withheld." On a purchase from the park, §562B.17A requires the sale to be "by written agreement" stating "the total cost of the mobile home" and, for an installment contract, the "finance charges, annual percentage rate, and the frequency and amount of each installment payment."

How it works in general

Before signing, a prospective resident is entitled to a written rental agreement, the park manager and owner's contact information, and a written explanation of utility rates and services. A park may screen the buyer as a tenant but cannot unreasonably withhold approval, and a denial requires written notice and a general reason. When the home is bought from the park, the sale must be in writing with disclosed terms, and the park assigns the DOT certificate of title once payment is complete.

Common scenarios

General examples Iowa buyers commonly encounter:

A buyer's tenant application is rejected. Approval under §562B.19(3)(c) cannot be unreasonably withheld, and a denial requires written notice and a general reason.
A buyer wants the park's terms in writing. Section 562B.14 requires disclosure of the owner/manager and utility rates before signing.
A buyer purchases directly from the park. Section 562B.17A requires a written agreement with disclosed cost and financing terms and assignment of the title.

Other authorities that may apply

Title transfer and lien perfection run through the Department of Transportation, and converting a home to real property follows Iowa Code §435.26. Federal lending rules and the Fair Housing Act can apply, and the written rental and sale documents are the core papers to review.